Isle of Wight Observer October 26, 1895

An Improvement in the High Street

Mr E Sweetman, sen, is to be congratulated upon the great improvement he has effected in the architectural appearance of High Street by the erection of the handsome hotel on the site of the old Eagle Tavern, for so many years associated with Lake’s Eagle Brewery. Now that the building is finished and the hoarding removed, the handsome front of white brick and cement dressings is very generally admired. It is all Ryde work, the architect being Mr J I Barton and the builder Mr Isaac Barton. The interior arrangements are most convenient and effective. There is an extremely handsome bar; and a private side bar, divided from the bar proper by a screen of coloured glass, which effectially prevents anyone in the public bar seeing those in the private bar. The fittings of the bar are of oak and teak, carved in a manner which does MR Barton infinite credit. When illuminated with the Wenham incandescent burners, which have been fitted, the bar will look extremely attractive from the street at night. Upstairs are a large commercial room, commodious sitting room, bath room and numerous bedrooms, all fitted with electric bells and every modern convenience. Messrs Coombes, of Cross Street, are furnishing the hotel throughout.

Return to Ryde Streets page